The end is finally here for Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise. What started out in 1993 lasted a grand total of six seasons. Rangers came and Rangers went as did powers and incarnations. Now in the long-awaited finale to the franchise that started it all, every one of the Rangers from the franchise’s first five seasons join the current team as they face off against every villain that the Rangers have faced up to this point in a battle for not just Earth but also the Universe. This collection of episodes effectively ends the original Power Rangers franchise before it got re-booted in early 1999 in the form of Power Rangers Lost Galaxy. Power Rangers In Space: Volume Two is one of the absolute best groupings of episodes from the original series. The primary reason for that is of course the writing. While the final two episodes are the key focus of the collection, there was also the multi-episode story arc involving the Psycho Rangers. Audiences also see something of a personal growth from Andros (Christopher Kayman Lee) in some episodes. One in particular sees him take on a father-like presence when he saves the “servant” of an evil alien. The stock footage and special effects that made the series so wonderfully campy continued on through this season, too. That is another factor in this set that audiences will appreciate in viewing these episodes. Rounding out the whole thing is the presentation of the episodes. The episodes presented in this collection are much like those of the previous collections. They are presented exactly as they were in their original broadcasts on Fox’s FOX Kids afternoon programming block. Nothing was edited out. And the footage looks just as it did in the episodes’ original broadcasts, too. That factor rounds out the presentation in whole that is Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two. Together with the writing and the character development displayed throughout the episodes, it makes clearly visible why Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two a fitting finale to one of the greatest children’s franchises in modern television history.

Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two is a fitting finale to what is one of the greatest franchises in the modern history of television. The franchise lasted a grand total of six seasons before being rebooted in 1999 in the form of Power Rangers Lost Galaxy. What started as a cult hit in 1993 proved to be one of the biggest cultural phenomena by its end five years later. One of the key reasons for that was the franchise’s writing. That is evidenced clearly in the finale to Saban’s original franchise. Most audiences will agree that the franchise’s two-part finale, “Countdown to Destruction” is the central point of this collection. However, a closer look at the episodes shows that the buildup to that point is really what makes the collection work. The writers build up to that final epic battle by forcing the Rangers to use all of their resources to face the Psycho Rangers multiple times. They also face quite the test when their main resources are destroyed in their attempts to destroy Ecliptor and Tankenstein. Audiences that grew up with this franchise will love seeing again how the Rangers tackle the situation with teamwork and the help of all of the previous Rangers. The fact that the writers could interweave each story arc into one whole story without losing audiences along the way is a testament to their efforts. On a side note, those that have continued watching the various incarnations of the Power Rangers up to this point can’t help but see a rather close similarity between “Countdown to Destruction” and the upcoming mega-battle in the Power Rangers Super Megaforce universe. It would be no surprise if this is where that show’s writers got their motivation for the franchise’s next upcoming mega battle. Again that being a possibility it goes to show once more the strength of the writers’ work even all those years ago. It’s just one part of what makes this (final?) collection of episodes such a fitting finale for the original Power Rangers franchise.

The writing behind the episodes culled for Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two is a solid starting point in an examination of what makes this collection so enjoyable. In direct relation, the growth of the characters—Andros specifically—helps move this collection forward. Audiences see him become increasingly welcoming to his fellow Rangers as the season progresses. This is especially noticeable in “Andros and the Stowaway” in which he saves an alien that looks a lot like an anglerfish with legs from its evil master. The care and concern given to the creature exhibits quite the emotional growth for him. To an extent, one could almost argue that the creature—dubbed Seymour by the Yellow Ranger—is somewhat representative of his sister, who obviously turns out to actually be Astronema. He cares for Seymour the way that he had never been able to look after his sister. It’s subtle, but it’s there. There is also the budding relationship between Ashley (The Yellow Ranger) and Andros in terms of character development. The writers can be applauded here as they didn’t let that take too much of the time in any episode. Whereas Tommy’s relationship first with Kimberly and then with Kat later in the original franchise, this relationship was kept more as an undertone of sorts. It was another way for the writers to exhibit Andros’ personal growth from the standard lone wolf figure to the warmer, more…..human character. One could argue even that it was one more way for Andros to heal from what happened and to give him a purpose to fight on and find his sister, whom he doesn’t realize, is actually Astronema, until these episodes. Looking back on the balance of character development and the overall writing, audiences that grew up with these episodes will appreciate them even more when watching these episodes again. The end result will be a heightened sense of nostalgia and in turn overall enjoyment.

The balance of character development and overall writing in these final episodes of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise is of the utmost importance. Those behind the show expertly balanced the two to make them some of the most enjoyable to watch. The writers really show in their balance of the elements just how much this team of Rangers has grown together and how their battles against Astronema have shaped them both personally and by themselves. It collectively makes for quite the interesting watch. As important as these elements are to the overall enjoyment and success of Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two, there is one last element to examine. That last element is the presentation of the episodes. What audiences get in this set is one more collection of episodes presented exactly as they were presented in their original broadcast on Fox’s FOX Kids afternoon programming block back in 1998. There has been no re-mastering or anything of the sort. The stock footage from the Japanese series that inspired the Power Rangers’ various incarnations is here as are the campy but oh-so-fun special effects. As a matter of fact, those that have HDTVs will love seeing the wires/strings used to make Ecliptor fly in various episodes. And just as interesting is the appearance in Ecliptor’s final battle against the Rangers of a mysterious figure in the background of their battle. A close look reveals what looks like a female villain in the background as the Rangers face Ecliptor for the final time. But even when he is defeated, there is no mention of that figure. One can’t help but wonder if that was the editors’ attempt to mix the Japanese footage with that of the American series as there’s no mention of said figure at all. She is there, though. Regardless, the original editors behind these episodes did an applause-worthy job mixing the elements. And those responsible for transferring the original tapes to DVD are just as worthy of applause, too. Their collective work alongside the work of the writers to develop the characters and storylines makes Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two all the more enjoyable for today’s kids and those kids at heart that remember watching these episodes as kids themselves.

A lot of work went into making the final episodes of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise memorable for audiences. That work was not lost on its fans. And those that have not seen these episodes since their original broadcast will recall just how memorable they were and are when they purchase this box set and watch these episodes again for the first time for themselves or with their own kids. Whether for the writing, the associated character development, or the original broadcast presentation of the episodes, audiences will see that there is a lot to like about Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two. They will then see that this is truly a fitting finale for what is one of the greatest children’s series in modern television history. It will be available in stores and online next Tuesday, October 7th and can be ordered direct from the Shout! Factory online store at https://www.shoutfactory.com/kids/kids-action-adventure/power-rangers-in-space-vol-2. More information on this and other releases from Shout! Factory is available online at:

Shout! Factory and Saban will finish off Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise next month when it releases Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two.

Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two will be released Tuesday, October 7th. The upcoming box set is the end of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise. It is in this box set that audiences see Zordon, who created the very first team of Power Rangers, sacrifices himself in order to put an end to all of the evil forces that have faced the various incarnations of the Power Rangers throughout the franchise’s previous seasons. The season that would follow—Power Rangers Lost Galaxy—would be set in the same universe as the original Power Rangers franchise. However, its story line keeps the Rangers in space as humans search out a new world where humans can live. Also in this final chapter of the Power Rangers’ original Zordon era, a surprising secret is revealed to the Rangers. It is a secret that plays a big role in the final outcome of this long-running franchise. That and much more is in Power Rangers in Space: Volume Two.

The countdown to the end of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise is on. Shout! Factory will release Power Rangers: Turbo—Volume 2 next week.

Power Rangers: Turbo—Volume Two will be released Tuesday, June 3rd on DVD. Volume Two picks up right where Volume One left off. Tommy, the last of the original Power Rangers and Kat, the second Pink Ranger both depart and are replaced by new Rangers as are Yellow Ranger Tanya and Green Ranger Adam. With a whole new team in place, it’s up to them to stop Divatox once and for all before it’s too late. The Rangers’ battle against Divatox and her evil brother General Havoc leads to what would be the final, epic chapter in the original “Zordon Era” of Saban’s Power Rangers franchise.

Shout! Factory has spent just over a decade bringing some of the most well-known and beloved movies and television shows in modern entertainment history. That dedication to bringing so many great titles back to life has put Shout! Factory at the forefront of the home entertainment business. This critic’s own opinion is that that dedication has even pushed Shout! Factory past even bigger companies such as Warner Home Video and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment just to name a couple. Two years ago, Shout! Factory announced a partnership with Saban Brands that has since then cemented even more Shout! Factory’s reputation as a leader in the home entertainment industry. That’s because the partnership gave distribution rights to Shout! Factory for many of Saban’s Power Rangers series including Saban’s most famous series, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Shout! Factory started releasing Saban’s Power Rangers series two years ago, starting with the complete seven-season box set. Last month, it took one more step closer to the end of its deal with Saban with the release of Power Rangers Turbo Volume One. Power Rangers Turbo is one of the more pivotal installments of the original Power Rangers franchise. That is the case first and foremost because of the show’s writing. Another reason that this latest installment works so well is its look. And having finally been released on DVD, the series’ packaging actually plays just as much of a role as the aforementioned factors in its success and enjoyment. All three factors together make this first volume of episodes from Power Rangers Turbo another must have for any fan of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise.

Power Rangers Turbo is one of the most important installments of Saban’s original Power Rangers franchise. That is the case first and foremost because of the series’ writing. There is much to be said of the writing in this “season.” The most noticeable aspect of the season’s writing is that unlike the previous Power Rangers movie, Saban has actually this season in to the movie Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie. At the same time, this season is also a continuation of the previous Power Rangers installment. The writers are to be commended for having been able to connect both elements together without allowing the franchise to become bogged down. Even more important to consider from this season is that the writers made this season a major turning point in the original Power Rangers franchise. It could be said that they made this “season” the beginning of the end for the “Zordon era.” Zordon is replaced by a new mentor of sorts named Dimitria. Alpha 5 is replaced by the next Alpha model, Alpha 6. And the last of the original rangers, Tommy, leaves the series. He’s not the only ranger to leave, either. As a matter of fact, audiences see what is an entirely new team this season during the two-part story arc “Passing The Torch.” As if that’s not enough, Ernie’s juice bar owner Ernie (played since the days of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers by Richard Genelle) also leaves. He is written out early in this half of the season thanks to an explanation by Lt. Stone (Gregg Bullock), who ends up taking over Ernie’s juice bar. So there are lots of changes going on in this half of Season 5 (a.k.a. Power Rangers Turbo). Most impressive of all is that even with all of the changes that take place in Season 5, the writers still manage to keep everything balanced. And that is a testament in itself. Just as much a testament to Power Rangers Turbo is the production values displayed in this season.

The look of the franchise employed by those behind the Power Rangers franchise was something special throughout all seven seasons of the franchise’s original series. This season is included in that run. The reason that the series production values were so special is that even in Season five, the series’ heads were still incorporating elements of the Japanese series on which the Power Rangers franchise had been based from Season One. Even in Season Five, it had more of that familiar “gritty” look established from the franchise’s inception. These same values would continue on into Season Seven (a.k.a. Power Rangers Lost Galaxy). After that, the franchise’s look noticeably changed. So it is nice to see that those behind Power Rangers Turbo maintained the not so perfected, spit-shined look established early on in the franchise’s life. It’s one more piece of the whole that audiences will appreciate in viewing Power Rangers Turbo: Volume One.

The look of Power Rangers Turbo and its writing are both pivotal to this season’s enjoyment and success. The packaging of Power Rangers Turbo: Volume One is the last aspect of this set to examine in the set’s enjoyment and success. There are those that have lambasted Shout! Factory for splitting the show into separate volumes going all the way back to its release of the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers installment of the franchise. This season is no different. Those that have come down on Shout! Factory for this course of action have not seen the bigger picture. Fans of the Power Rangers franchise are very particular individuals. Not every fan likes one entire season or another. In the same vein, not every fan likes the same episode or episodes. By splitting up the seasons, Shout! Factory is allowing that worldwide legion of fans to choose the episodes and seasons that they want to see rather than forcing them to buy entire seasons that they might not like. Looking at the packaging from this angle, Shout! Factory is to be commended once again. And those charged with packaging this set are to be just as commended for the fact that they have packaged the discs in exactly the same fashion as previous Power Rangers sets. Each of the set’s three discs is placed on its own spot inside the case. The first two discs are placed on either side of a standard “insert” that protects them from each other. The third disc is placed on its own spindle on the back side of the case. For those that perhaps like this season better than others, or even just this half of the season, this actually does save space on their racks. So those naysayers that would prefer to lambast Shout! Factory for this should keep this in mind. They should also keep in mind everything else mentioned about this set as a reason for picking up Power Rangers Turbo: Volume One.

Thank goodness for Shout! Factory. This critic has said that of the company many times before. And this critic will continue to do so as long as it keeps releasing titles such as the latest in Saban’s classic Power Rangers franchise. Power Rangers: ZeoVolume 1 picks up where the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangersmini-series “spinoff”, Mighty Morphin’Alien Rangers left off. The Rangers’control center had been destroyed and new Yellow Ranger Tanya had been added to the team. She would be the third person to don the Yellow Ranger’s outfit in only a matter of three seasons. The Command Center being destroyed, the Rangers were left without their powers, albeit temporarily, which leads to the first important aspect of this latest incarnation of Saban’s hit franchise. The first important aspect ofPower Rangers: Zeo Volume 1 is the writing in the episodes culled for this volume. In direct connection to the writing, the episodes in this volume do something that the episodes from MMPR didn’t do nearly as much. They developed the characters more. This includes the show’s comic relief, Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy (Bulk and Skull). And one can’t ignore that the special effects used throughout MMPR were carried over into this “season”,too. This too helped maintain the feel of MMPR thus doing even more to help keep fans from MMPR on board. And together with the writing and character development, it shows even more why this latest release is a must have for any longtime Power Rangers fan.

The writers responsible for the first incarnation of the Power Rangers series did an impressive job with that series. They wrote plenty of solid stories. Those scripts did an excellent job of balancing their action with the team’s development. They also had plenty of comedy thanks to Schrier and Narvy. The pair’s Laurel& Hardy style comedy was stepped up throughout Power Rangers: Zeo Volume 1, making for even more enjoyment. From trying to save Detective Stone’s roses to their antics with Goldar and Rito, Bulk and Skull get more camera time this time out. And it makes for plenty of laughs. Their increased comedic additions to the series are just part of what makes this incarnation of the Power Rangers franchise fun to watch. Fans of the series will also appreciate in this volume how the writers handled the transition of both villains and team members among the Rangers. The story arcs used throughout MMPR were good in their own way. There’s no denying that. But fans will appreciate that the writers hit the ground running this time. Even starting the new “series” with an extended story arc, the transitions still moved particularly rapidly. So the writers didn’t waste any time getting the new series moving. The only other real extended story arc in this volume is “There’s No Business Like Snow Business.” It’s a three-part arc. And while it isn’t a major story arc, it does do something important. It helps to illustrate the increased character development that took place in this series.

The writers on Power Rangers Zeo handled the transition from its predecessor quite well, all things considered. They developed new story lines and grew the show, too. That’s thanks to the increased character development in this series. Tommy Oliver (Jason David Frank) is fleshed out even more as he takes over the lead role in the show. He takes over the role of the Red Ranger as Billy (David Yost) steps down and takes more of a “tech assistant” position in the team’s new command center. Audiences see more of the confident, heroic side of Tommy as he takes over the team. But he also presents a more human side after getting a breakup letter from former love interest and Pink Ranger, Kimberly (Amy Jo Johnson) in the three-part story arc, “There’s No Business Like Snow Business.” Audiences also get more view of Tommy’s softer side in a two-part episode that sees Tommy introduced to his long lost brother. That more vulnerable side is something that he didn’t really show a lot of throughout MMPR. So it makes for an interesting look at this character. Newcomer Tanya also gets her time in the spotlight in this volume. She gets the chance of a lifetime when she is discovered by a record producer after singing at the Angel Grove Youth Center. It was the final episode in Volume One. But what better way to close out the volume than to focus on her again. Just as she was introduced in the volume’s opening three-part story arc, she was re-introduced in the volume’s final episode. So she really got her time to develop as a character and as a member of the team.

Both Tommy and Tanya get more time to develop personally as characters in Power Rangers Zeo: Volume One. Their development helps to make this “season” more interesting for viewers. They aren’t the only characters that get to show more of themselves. Both Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy (Bulk and Skull) get to show that they are more than just comic relief, too. Although they still offer plenty of laughs. The pair is now working even more to try and be junior police officers. While their segments are still largely for comedic relief, it’s nice to see that they are getting to be more than just lowly comic support. They actually get to be more involved in the show at this point. Again this goes back to the show’s writers. It’s just one more positive to the show.

The writing and related character development that takes place in the episodes collected for Power Rangers Zeo: Volume 1 do a lot to make this underrated incarnation of the Power Rangers enjoyable in hindsight. There is still at least one more factor that audiences will appreciate in this set. That factor is the special effects. Whereas so many of the “seasons” since (E.g. Power Rangers Samurai, Power Rangers Power Rangers Ninja Storm, Power Rangers Mystic Force) became more spit shined and slickly produced, the more raw special effects and general production values of PRZ were more akin to those of MMPR. The show’s creators and staff made do with what they had. And it showed, too. Sure, they might have been slightly cheesy. But there’s something more special about them because of that. And it’s that special something combined with the writing and the character development that make this “season” of Power Rangers definitely worth having for any true fan of the franchise. It will be available in stores and online Tuesday, November 12th. It can be ordered online direct from the Shout! Factory online store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/node/218412. More information on this and other Power Rangers releases from Saban and Shout! Factory is available online at http://www.shoutfactory.com and http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The third season of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers sees this classic children’s series at its peak. The show reached its apex in its third season primarily because of its writing. It is also just as impressive as Shout! Factory has presented these original episodes exactly as they aired on Fox Kids’ weekday afternoon programming block in the 1990s. This includes the short “squeezeback” segments (say that three times fast) that accompanied each episode’s credits. This season is the peak for the original Power Rangers series as it presents the season in its entirety instead of being cut up into half seasons as was done with the show’s first two seasons. These three aspects together make Season Three of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers one that any original fan of this show a must have.

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Season Three presents the Power Rangers franchise at the top of its game first and foremost because of the show’s writing. Whereas the show’s first two seasons only saw a small handful of extended story arcs, this season was made up almost entirely of broad multi-part story arcs, beginning with a voyage to the planet Edenoi in the three-part episode, “A Friend in Need.” This was an important way to open Season Three as it served as a solid filler that helped keep the franchise “fresh” and thus keep viewers. Viewers had become rather familiar with Rita and Lord Zedd over the course of the show’s first two seasons. The show’s writers obviously knew that the pair couldn’t do but so much against the Rangers by themselves before audiences got tired of them. So, what better way to keep the franchise alive than trying out a new villain? The new villain—Count Dregon—only lasted a short time before the show’s writers transitioned in the appearance of more new foes for the Rangers. Those foes were Rita Repulsa’s brother and father, Rito and Master Vile.

On a side note, many fans of the Power Rangers franchise might recognize the name of the Masked Rider within this season’s opening story arc. That’s because this story arc would eventually lead to a short-lived spinoff that lasted less than a year from September 1995 to August 1996. In later years, the show on which this was based, Kamen Rider Black RX would be introduced to American audiences. Though it too, would only last a short time.

The new villains introduced into the show’s canon in Season Three were just part of what helped keep the show fresh. Three of the original Rangers left the show in its second season. This season, another Ranger passes on her powers. This transfer makes up its own story arc. The story arc in question was the three-part episode, “A Different Shade of Pink.” The episode’s story happens in a fashion that harkens back to the Green Ranger sage from the show’s first season. It crosses that with the simple passing of the torch, and once more helps to move the show forward and keep it fresh for yet another season. Along with a new member of the team, there is even a new set of Zords for the Rangers in their fight against Rita and company. It all leads up to the season finale, “Rangers in Reverse.” “Rangers in Reverse” leads into its own extended story arc that would become a mini-season of its own in Mighty Morphin’ Alien Rangers.

The extended story arcs that largely made up Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Season Three did a lot to help keep the Power Rangers franchise fresh for its audiences. From another change in the team’s lineup to new foes, powers, Zords, and even armor, a lot changed this season. And the show’s writers did a commendable job of keeping it all straight and believable. Looking at this season from a wider vantage point, Shout! Factory is to be commended for presenting Season Three exactly as it was originally aired. That includes the squeezeback segments included with the show’s end credits. These segments feature loads of bloopers from each episode’s gag reel. It’s a minor piece of the puzzle. But it adds its own element of enjoyment to the overall presentation of the show. And any purist Power Ranger fan will appreciate the Shout! Factory made certain that this was included for fans.

The writing of the episodes in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Season Three made this season the best yet for the franchise. That Shout! Factory would make sure that each episode was presented exactly as it was in its original broadcast makes this new set all the more enjoyable for the show’s original fans. There is still one more factor to which audiences can credit this latest set’s success. That factor is the set’s packaging. The first two seasons of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers were split up into two halves each. This time out, Shout! Factory opted to reward loyal Power Rangers fans with a complete season in one box. And as become the standard from Shout! Factory, the packaging is praise worthy. All three discs are placed in their own spot inside the slim case. Shout! Factory has highly impressed again here as this standard is safe for the discs, and ergonomic. This is the final touch on what is already another impressive release that will take the show’s original fans back on a great trip down memory lane. And for the children of the show’s original fan, it will serve as one more lesson in what once made children’s commercial programming so great.

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Season 2 Volume 2 is another fun jaunt down memory lane for fans of the series that started the whole Power Rangers phenomenon in the United States. This second half of the original series’ second season sees another pivotal point in the evolution of the Power Rangers as three of the original cast members are replaced with a new trio of Power Rangers who would themselves later be replaced, too. Also, audiences see the first major change in the Rangers’ zords. As the fight against Lord Zedd continued, the Rangers’ original Dinozords were replaced by the new Thunderzords. Through all the changes, the series still retained the campy yet fun qualities that made it so enjoyable up to this point. This includes some worthwhile episodes, too that contain more important life lessons. It all comes together to make this latest release another set of adventures that will make any older MMPR fan nostalgic for a better time, and will enjoy for the first time again with their own child(ren).

One of the first things that fans of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers will appreciate in the second half of the series’ second season is the changes that ensue this time. Rita Repulsa (played by Machicko Soga) is long gone after having been banished by Lord Zedd. Another change that viewers see in this half of Season Two is the replacement of three of the original Rangers. Zack (Walter Emanuel Jones), Trini (Thuy Trang), and Jason (Austin St. John) would be replaced in the two-part episode, “The Power Transfer.” The trio would be replaced by Adam (Johnny Yong Bosch), Aisha (Karan Ashley) and Rocky (Steve Cardenas) respectively. The changeup in the team’s lineup was (in the story) the result of Zach, Jason, and Trini being chosen to a teen activist group in Switzerland. Though more than likely in reality it was likely the result of failed contract negotiations. In the grand scheme of the show though, the replacement of the original team embers with fresh young talent was handled very well by the show’s writers. On a side note, sadly, Thuy Trang would later die in a car crash in 2001. So it would be the last time that audiences would see her as a Power Ranger.

The team lineup change was just one of the changes that the show would see in the second half of Season Two. Also updated for this final set of episodes from Season Two were the team’s vehicles, its Zords. Knowing the team would need stronger weapons against Lord Zedd, Zordon gave the updated team of Rangers the mystical Thunderzords” which would of course later be replaced by the Ninjazords. This update to the show and the new team members both helped to keep the show fresh and interesting then and even now for those seeing the show again for the first time. They were only part of what continued to make the show enjoyable for viewers. There were some changes to the show, as has been noted. For all of the changes, one thing stayed the same. The one thing was the show’s writing.

Because the show’s writing stayed largely the same as it had been from the show’s inception, it maintained the same level of action that had been established throughout the show’s first season and the first half of its second season, too. There were also the same life lessons thrown in that thankfully continued to refrain from being too preachy and taking over. Rather, they were tied into each episode’s storyline. For instance, in the episode, “Rocky Just Wants to Have Fun”, viewers learn the importance of balancing work and play when Rocky is put under a spell by Lord Zedd that makes him just want to have fun. The end result is a valuable lesson about that balance and maintaining it. “Mirror of Regret” is something of a semi-bullying story. IN this story, Adam has to overcome his own insecurities brought on by Zedd’s mirror in question. All the while, he has to fight the taunts of Goldar in order to overcome his past. So in its own way, the show even promoted understanding and acceptance even that early on. For that reason, it is most definitely to be commended. There is even an episode that promotes the importance of education when the Rangers appear on a local talk show in their home town of Angel Grove. Again it’s that mix of action and life lessons so expertly balanced yet again in this half of Season Two that continued to make the show enjoyable then and even now years later.

The writing behind MMPR in the second half of Season Two went a long way toward making these episodes as enjoyable as they were. There is one last factor that makes this half of Season Two enjoyable. That final factor is the show’s production values. Unlike so many of the Power Rangers incarnations that would follow this one, its production values and special effects were more…raw for lack of better wording. By comparison, so much of what has been crafted since the days of the original MMPR is spit shined. And the physical comedy on the part of Bulk and Skull (Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy) only added to the whole package. Even years later, one can’t help but laugh, watching this dopey duo taking pratfalls and pies left and right. Together with everything else that went into this half of the show’s second season, it makes Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Season 2 Volume 2 another enjoyable addition to any fan of the team that started it all, the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 2 Volume 2 is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct from the Shout! Factory online store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216962.